At the beginning of the NCAA college season, names like Wiggins, Parker, Smart, and Embid were dominating the headlines. Every NBA team was in tank mode hoping to land the next superstar of the loaded 2014 draft class. As the season moved on, a freshman point guard began making noise, and led his team to a 25-0 start.
On Thursday, Tyler Ennis made a decision that no one saw coming at the beginning of the season; he put his name into the 2014 NBA draft class.
Did the Syracuse freshman make the right decision? This will be a question that many NBA scouts, analysts and writers will try to answer leading up to the June 26th draft.
Here is why it is the right call:
His Numbers
Tyler Ennis had a solid freshman year in college. The Syracuse point guard finished the season averaging 12.9 points, 5.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals and only 1.7 turnovers per game.
Over the past seasons there have been several point guards drafted in the first round, who spent one year in college, and made a successful transition to the NBA. Here’s how Ennis’ numbers compare to other one & done point guards.
| PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | TPG | |
| Tyler Ennis | 12.9 | 5.5 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 1.7 |
| John Wall | 16.6 | 6.5 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 4 |
| Jrue Holliday | 8.5 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 1.6 | 2.1 |
| Derrick Rose | 14.9 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 1.2 | 2.7 |
Talent wise, we know that Rose & Wall have an explosiveness that Ennis lacks. However, when you compare Ennis’ numbers, one might suggest that he will make a solid transition to the NBA. What Ennis lacks in quickness and scoring ability, he makes up for with his defense and game management. All season Ennis has been lauded for his steadiness and decision making, which are two key elements of playing point guard in the NBA.
You could also point to the success that Michael Carter-Williams has had in transitioning from Syracuse to the NBA. Like Carter-Williams, Ennis will be coming from the same program, preparing him well to make a successful transition.
His Draft Stock
Tyler Ennis draft stock has soared up the charts since the beginning of the season. According to Chad Ford’s draft board on espn.com, Ennis is the ninth ranked prospect overall and third amongst point guards behind Dante Exum (ranked 4th) and Marcus Smart (ranked 8th).
Ennis was originally projected as a late first round draft pick; but with the regular season success of Syracuse and his buzz worthy play this season, Ennis has now jumped into possibly being drafted in the top 10. Throw in the fact that there is a lack of point guard talent at the top of the draft, and with Marcus Smart having an up and down season at Oklahoma, Ennis may even be the second point guard taken on draft night.
There will some who will argue that it would benefit Ennis to stay one more year in college. While there is some merit to stay another year and improve your craft, there are risks. Ennis may face a more talented point guard class next season, he could suffer an injury, and even having a down year could hurt his draft stock.
His Position
The point guard position seems to be an area of need for a handful of teams in the top 15. According to nbadraft.net, the Orlando Magic will likely have two picks in the lottery and are in need of an upgrade at the point guard position. Chances are if they land either Wiggins or Parker with their first pick, they may look to go with a point guard with their second selection.
Another team to watch may be the Los Angeles Lakers. With Nash on his last legs, the Laker’s need an upgrade at the point guard spot. We all know that the Lakers would love to draft Dante Exum, but if they slip in the draft, and miss out on the Australian point guard, Ennis could be an option for them.
Lastly, the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers are all teams that may be options for Ennis. For these teams, drafting the Syracuse point guard could act as an insurance policy for Rondo, Thomas or Irving.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LWOSjeff. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Main Photo:
